1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? One must ask. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, the xG metric painted a different picture: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers may be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Villa manager is shrewd, experienced, significantly more advanced of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, cut in and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said his squad requested to take a day off after their recent victory but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he clipped in from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? The take of a respected pundit was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
